Computer & Internet Access Policy

Users must read and agree to these policies prior to using computer workstations and accessing the Internet at the Lincoln Public Library.

Lincoln Public Library's commitment to public service reaches beyond the traditional collections and resources of a public library. In its mission to provide opportunities for lifelong learning, the library is continually responsive to the changing needs of the community. Therefore, Lincoln Public Library provides access to the Internet to support our mission to make available information in a variety of formats.

The Internet offers global access to information. Not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, current, legal, or inoffensive. It is the user’s responsibility to determine the validity or accuracy of the found on the Internet. The library does not monitor Internet use. Reference Staff is available to assist patrons in conducting Internet searches.

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet Filters”) shall be used to block or filter access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Patrons should know that they may encounter sexually explicit or other material they find offensive and controversial on the Internet, even though there may be technology protection measures in place on Lincoln Public Library’s computer network.

As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children's use of the Library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.

By using a library computer, patrons are agreeing to abide by the library policy on public use of computer workstations and access to the Internet.

Regulations Governing Patron Use of Computer Workstations at Lincoln Public Library:

Those who are 5 and over will enter the number on the back of his/her valid library card to access the computer workstations. Children 9 and younger must be supervised by an adult.

Guest passes may be issued to patrons without library cards at the discretion of Library Staff. Guest passes guarantee 1 hour of computer use. Another guest pass may be issued at the end of the hour if scheduling permits.

Workstations may be reserved for a later time during the same day.

Users with valid library cards can remain longer than an hour if scheduling permits.

Users should report any problems with hardware or software to staff immediately.

Users must have basic computer skills.

Library staff can provide limited assistance with basic computer use.

Users can save files to a flash drive with a USB port, a CD or DVD, and to the My Documents Folder on the desktop. Users can purchase diskettes or CDs from the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, or provide their own. Users are not allowed to delete, add to, or modify installed hardware or software. Note: files saved to the public computers will be deleted periodically throughout the day.

Printing costs are 10 cents per page for black and white. Color copies are available for 50 cents per page.

Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials, except as permitted by the Fair Use regulation without permission of the copyright owner.

Patrons using the Internet in the library may not display text or graphics defined by federal or state law as obscenity or pornography, or any material that we deem inappropriate. Deliberate and continued display of some materials that are not obscene or pornographic may still constitute sexual harassment. Actions that violate federal, state, or local laws will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Misuse of the computer or Internet access may result in the loss of computer privileges.